If you're an Airbnb host or considering short-term rentals, you'll want to stay informed. Scotland has rolled out some fresh regulations that are shaking things up in the world of Airbnb. Whether you're a seasoned host or just getting started, understanding these changes is key to navigating the vibrant short-term rental landscape in Scotland.
So, grab a cuppa and let's dive into what's new with Airbnb in bonnie, Scotland.
In 2024, Scotland's tourism industry continues to thrive, bolstered by an influx of visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels. Latest statistics reveal a surge in tourism, with more travelers choosing Scotland as their destination. Recent reports highlight an increase in international visitors contributing significantly to Scotland's economy through expenditure and extended stays.
In response to evolving visitor preferences, the tourism sector has adapted to emerging travel trends. The beauty and charm of this remarkable country continue to draw tourists from around the world as Scotland positions itself as a premier destination.
Airbnb has become a popular accommodation option for travelers visiting Scotland. The platform offers a wide range of listings throughout the country, from city apartments to rural cottages and everything in between. Some of Scotland's most popular destinations for Airbnb travelers include Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, and the Isle of Skye.
According to NatureScot, tourism is one of Scotland's seven fastest-growing businesses providing more than £4 billion to the Scottish economy each year. The natural environment is an important tourism feature with vistas and landscapes being the most compelling reasons for international travelers to visit Scotland.
Airbnb has also had an impact on the Scottish tourism industry with many hosts using the platform to supplement their income by renting out spare rooms or holiday lets.
In January 2023, The Scottish Daily Express revealed that a study done by Crown Pavilions found that the Scottish Highlands was the county where hosts can expect to earn the most from Airbnb with an average income of £77 per night or £539 per week. A weekly profit of £340 is higher than the average across the whole of the UK.
From October 1, 2023, possessing a license is mandatory before engaging in short-term lets. Prior to accepting bookings or hosting guests obtaining this license is imperative. Operating without one is a criminal offense, potentially resulting in a £2,500 fine and a one-year ban from license application during which short-term letting activities are prohibited.
Those who utilized their property for short-term letting before October 1, 2022, and submitted a license application before October 1, 2023, can continue offering short-term lets while awaiting application processing.
As in other European countries the purpose of this law is to curb the growing number of short-term rental agreements without quality control and safety measures particularly in areas where such agreements negatively impact local balances and the availability of housing.
The government is now seeking to support local authorities to make sure that properties meet society's needs, quality and protecting both guests and owners from other issues. The government is promoting a greater number of residential properties that meet important safety guidelines as well as refraining from having substandard short-lets.
As a result, short-term lets in Scotland will be filtered out resulting in higher nightly rates and occupancy rates.
This license allows you to rent out all or part of your own home while you are living there. It's suitable for individuals who wish to earn income by hosting guests in their primary residence.
With a home letting license, you can let all or part of your own home while you're not present. This includes scenarios such as renting out your property while on vacation or participating in home exchanges with others.
This license is for letting properties where you do not normally reside. It includes second homes or holiday lets that are not your primary residence.
With this license you can let out all or part of your own home both while you are living there and while you are away. It provides flexibility for hosts who may alternate between living in and renting out their property
These different types of licenses cater to various hosting arrangements offering flexibility and compliance with regulations for short-term letting activities.
What licence do you need? Find out here
This framework ensures compliance with regulations and clarifies the application process and license duration.
Your local council will require you to apply for a license if you use accommodation to offer short-term rentals in Scotland.
Accepting bookings or accommodating guests without obtaining a license beforehand is illegal. Failure to apply for a license in a timely manner could result in severe consequences.
Ensuring compliance with licensing requirements is essential to avoid penalties and maintain the legal operation of short-term accommodations.
The cost of a short-term let license is determined by the local council and varies depending on the property's size and the type of let. The application fee is designed to cover the administrative expenses incurred by the council in processing the license application.
Factors such as the property's occupancy capacity and whether it's used for primary or secondary letting can influence the license cost.
Visit the local council's website for detailed information about short-term let licence fees and application procedures for accurate and up-to-date information.
Residential and commercial properties in Scotland are covered by the short-term let licensing scheme which includes,
You do not need a license for:
Private residential tenancies and social housing tenancies do not require a license. However, A short-term let license is required in addition to your House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) license if you offer short-term lets.
Properties must comply with the repairing and tolerable standards. This includes houses and flats.
Properties require a current EPC issued within the past decade. This is mandatory for properties rented out entirely such as self-catering holiday homes and must be performed by a certified energy assessor. EPC ratings should be included in all relevant advertisements. EPC requirements for holiday lets are available on gov.scot.
Access practical fire safety guidance
Properties with gas must have a Gas Safety Certificate renewed annually verifying checks by a gas safe registered engineer.
An electrical safety inspection by a qualified professional is required at least every five years.
A qualified individual must generate a report for portable appliances accessible to guests ensuring safety compliance.
Properties with private water supplies must adhere to specific legal standards.
A Legionella risk assessment is obligatory for all properties.
Information on landlords' Legionella responsibilities is provided on the Health and Safety Executive website.
Consult the local council for coverage requirements.
The license holder must ensure guest numbers do not exceed the licence's specified maximum.
License holders are required to prominently display:
Fire safety laws mandate a risk assessment to identify and mitigate hazards with reasonable measures such as smoke alarms and fire safety plans in place.
Local authorities may impose additional conditions and set occupancy limits potentially requiring floor plan submissions.
Hostaway's vacation rental software offers a robust platform that allows hosts to effectively manage their Airbnb listings in Scotland, streamlining the marketing process and ensuring that bookings are well-managed. However, it is important for hosts to adhere to the specific regulations and guidelines established by Airbnb for listings in Scotland.
By using Hostaway in conjunction with a thorough understanding of the applicable regulations, hosts can optimize their Airbnb listings and deliver an exceptional experience to their guests in Scotland. If you're interested in learning more about Hostaway and how it can enhance your property management business you can schedule a demo call with one of our product experts to gain valuable insights and discover how Hostaway can work for you.